The world's shortest flight is less than two miles and takes just 53 seconds… and it's in the UK
takes place between two Scottish islands.
From take off to landing, this entire journey takes just 90 seconds.
Advertisement
6
Residents and visitors of two Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland can experience the world's shortest passenger flight
Credit: Alamy
6
Loganair and Flybe operate the 90-seconf route between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands
Credit: Alamy
Connecting Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, this unique route has proved the most efficient for residents and tourists alike.
From take off to landing, the flight covers a total of 1.7 miles, and only spends 53 seconds in the air.
The speedy flights run every day and are less frivolous than they might seem.
For the residents of the two isles, there is no cheaper or easier alternative available.
Advertisement
Read More On Travel
A ferry making the same journey between the two islands takes 25 minutes.
Despite their close proximity no bridges exist to connect the two islands.
And since the entire population of Papa Westray clocks in at just 90 people, it's unlikely any funding will go towards such a project.
The flight journey is mainly used by teachers and students studying archeological sites.
Advertisement
Most read in News Travel
However, health professionals are also known to frequent the service, attending to patients on both islands.
The plane itself is a
Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander is
operated by Operated by Flybe or Loganair.
The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets
This aircraft is small, with just eight seats, along with the pilot and co-pilot chairs.
With a record time of just 47 seconds on days where the wind cooperates, the route has been measured as the shortest scheduled passenger flight by the Guinness World Records.
Advertisement
It was first flown in 1967 and welcomed the one millionth passenger in 2016.
A pilot from one of the islands revealed in a YouTube video that despite flying the route around 5,000 times, he has only accumulated approximately 50 hours in the air.
And while the flight time may seem laughable, the alternative is not an ideal option.
6
The 1.7 mile journey is 90 seconds in total, with just 53 of those airborne
Advertisement
According to
"The boat rocked so violently from side to side I was sure we were going to capsize," he explained.
"Spending 20 minutes on that boat on a 'calm day' was enough to make me never want to set foot on another boat again."
To try the flight out for yourself, however, is a bit more difficult of a venture.
Advertisement
6
The aircraft includes eight passenger seats and a pilot and co-pilot seat, with all baggage stored in a cargo hold due to lack of cabin space
Credit: Alamy
The get to Papa Westray from London, you will have to make your way to Aberdeen, and then on to Kirkwall, and finally from Kirkwall to Westray.
But at least you don't need to arrive at the airport too far in advance, with the recommended time being just 10 minutes before departure.
And don't expect to take on your hand luggage, as even small carry on bags are put into the cargo compartment due to the lack of space.
Advertisement
Flights between the two islands
6
The islands include lots of scenic areas includig the bay and village of Pierowall on Westray
Credit: Alamy
6
There is a small airport located on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland
Credit: Alamy
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
37 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Work under way on first interconnector between Ireland and mainland Europe
Work has begun to lay the underwater cable for the first electricity interconnector between Ireland and mainland Europe. It marks a major milestone in the €1.6 billion Celtic Interconnecter project, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and France to ensure security of power supply. A specialist marine vessel Calypso, from Norway, has begun cable laying along a 84km section of the route. Once fully installed, the entire 575km interconnector will run from east Cork to the northwest of Brittany. It will allow for the exchange of 700MW of electricity - enough to power some 450,000 homes. The high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable is being laid onto the seabed by the crew of the Calpso, with burial works done by two further vessels. Being weather sensitive, the work is being carried out in summer. The ship is fitted with a carousel on deck but also with a second, below-deck cable carousel, with a total cable carrying capacity of 8,000 tonnes. Marine survey teams have already mapped the seabed in advance of the works to chart the best route for the cable. The project, co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Fund, is being developed with Eirgrid and its French equivalent, Réseau de Transport d'Electricité. Construction first began in 2023 and the project is expected to be operational by the Spring of 2028. Extensive preparation works and ducting has been undertaken at Claycastle beach where the HVDC cable will make landfall at Youghal. Cable installation work has already been carried out along roadsides and through fields to transfer the electricity from Claycastle beach to a major converter station near Carrigtwohill. High voltage direct current (HVDC) arriving from France will be converted in Ireland to high voltage alternating current (HVAC) for use in the Irish network and vice versa for power that is exported to France. Essential onshore cable ducting works at Claycastle beach, where the HVDC cable comes ashore, was completed in March and reinstatement works are currently nearing completion. Between the beach and the converter station at Carrigtwohill, 97% of trenching and ducting is complete. Preparations are under way for the arrival later this month of three massive transformers, each 200 tonnes in weight, for installation at the converter station. HVAC cable has also been installed between the converter station site and the Knockraha substation, which feeds to the national grid 10km away. EirGrid's Onshore Project Manager Shane Cooney said the project has been in development for over 10 years and in construction for nearly three years. Now, he said, it is at a very important stage. Mr Cooney said the project is of "national significance", adding it is also important on a European level. He said: "It has secured European funding of over €500 million for the project and that is based on the fact that the project will deliver a connection between Ireland and the European Union with its power grids, which will led to balancing of power prices across the European grid. "It promotes the development of renewals on the grid giving us the pathway to be able to export excess renewables when we have them and it also gives us security of supply."
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the ‘Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats
Check out where to visit from a Sun writer who grew up in the town LITTLE ITALY The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the 'Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats IN Yorkshire is one of the UK's most beautiful towns - and it's even been compared to Italy. Knaresborough has waterways and plenty of boats, so it's not too hard to see the comparison, especially in the summertime. 4 Knaresborough is a beautiful town in Yorkshire Credit: Alamy 4 It's even been compared to looking like Italy Credit: Alamy Advertisement On social media, one visitor recently called Knaresborough "the Italy of England." It showed visitors paddling along the River Nidd looking up at the towering viaduct, and tourists pottering around the town's winding streets. In Knaresborough, you'll also find riverside cafes, steep little streets, and plenty of historic attractions too. It's widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Advertisement Read More on UK Holidays HOLS HACK My little-known tricks for cheap tickets that top UK attractions DON'T advertise On the social media post, another person commented: "It's one of my favourite places in the whole world." Knaresborough is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly along the River Nidd where locals and tourists can hire out boats and paddleboards - much like they do in certain Italian destinations. The town is known for having a huge viaduct which carries the Harrogate line over the River Nidd. It's a big attraction that draws in lots of visitors every year. Advertisement Knaresborough is also home to the oldest tourist attraction in England, Mother Shipton's Cave. The cave is the birthplace of England's most famous prophetess, Mother Shipton. The UK towns with such magnificent scenery they're known as 'Little Switzerland' 4 There are plenty of riverside cafes and restaurants Credit: Alamy Mother Shipton predicted lots of historical events, including the great fire of London and the black death. Inside the cave is a Petrifying Well, where objects can be seen turned to stone. Advertisement The attraction sits on the banks of the River Nidd and tourists have been charged to go inside since the year 1630. Knaresborough also has a ruined fortress which lots of visitors have said is the best place to get views "over the town, river and viaduct." Find out more about Knaresborough from someone who grew up there. She has all the top tips including where to hire out a boat to take it down the River Nidd. Her favourite riverside cafe is called Marigolds and she has a suggestion of pubs around the town. Advertisement One of her favourites is Carriages, which she described as having a "cosy atmosphere and tasty food". In the summer, it's a great spot for pretty views of Knaresborough train station. Plus, discover the UK's best seaside destinations revealed – with a small English resort making the top 10 for the first time. And see more quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers. 4 The Yorkshire town of Knaresborough has been compared to Italy Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
National Trust shuts famous UK beach voted one of best in the world due to health and safety fears
Rangers have seen a spike in incidents during busy spells STAY AWAY National Trust shuts famous UK beach voted one of best in the world due to health and safety fears ONE of Britain's most jaw‑dropping beaches has been shut off without warning after safety bosses sounded the alarm over dangerous conditions. Pedn Vounder in Cornwall has been closed to the public by the National Trust amid mounting fears over rip currents, rockfall, and the treacherous cliff path down to the sand. 2 Pedn Vounder is ranked amongst the best beaches in the world Credit: Alamy The powder‑soft, turquoise‑water cove that regularly makes 'world's best' lists. Barriers and warning signs have gone up, and rangers are urging visitors to stay away until further notice while they review how to make access safer. What's happened? The National Trust has closed public access to Pedn Vounder, near Treen on the far west Cornwall coast. The charity says the decision was taken on health and safety grounds after repeated incidents and concerns about the steep access route and rip currents. The closure is described as temporary while options to improve safety are explored. Where is Pedn Vounder - and why is it such a big deal? Tucked between Porthcurno and Logan Rock on the Penwith peninsula, Pedn Vounder looks like it's been lifted from the Caribbean: clear, shallow waters over pale sand, backed by dramatic granite cliffs. It's a wild beach - no lifeguards, no facilities, no road - and you only reach it via a rugged coastal path and a scramble down a rock face near low tide. That mix of beauty and danger is exactly why it's so famous and so fraught. On a calm day, it's postcard‑perfect. When the Atlantic swell and tides turn, it can be unforgiving. Practical safety advice if you're heading to the coast Choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags. Check tide times before you set off. Many Cornish coves all but vanish at high tide. Beware sandbars. They can make the sea look shallow and calm, then disappear quickly as the tide turns. If in trouble in the water, float to live. Lie on your back, control your breathing, and raise an arm to signal for help. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Why has it been closed now? The Trust's priority is the access route and sea conditions: The path: The descent is steep and uneven, with a scramble at the end. Erosion and slips have made sections more precarious, and there's no easy way back up if you get into difficulty. The descent is steep and uneven, with a scramble at the end. Erosion and slips have made sections more precarious, and there's no easy way back up if you get into difficulty. The sea: Pedn Vounder is notorious for powerful rip currents, fast‑flooding tides, and shifting sandbars that can catch even confident swimmers off guard. The beach is not lifeguarded. Pedn Vounder is notorious for powerful rip currents, fast‑flooding tides, and shifting sandbars that can catch even confident swimmers off guard. The beach is not lifeguarded. Rockfall risk: Cliffs along this stretch are constantly weathered by wind and waves. After periods of heavy rain and heat, the chance of loose material falling increases. Rangers have seen a spike in incidents during busy spells, and coastal rescue teams have repeatedly warned that people are being cut off by the tide or pulled into stronger water than they expect. Shutting the beach gives the Trust time to assess the path, improve signage, and consider whether access can be made safer without encouraging risky behaviour. How long will it be closed? There's no fixed reopening date. The Trust says the beach will remain closed while they carry out assessments and work through possible solutions with partners. This is a protected landscape and any intervention has to balance public safety with the area's wild character. Expect updates once surveys are complete and any work is agreed. The UK's best beach revealed – its white sand and turquoise lagoons helped it beat Jamaica & Thailand Why Pedn Vounder keeps topping the charts The appeal is obvious. On a sunny day, the water glows blue‑green, there's a slice of reef‑sheltered shallows, and the cliffs create a natural amphitheatre that feels a world away from the nearest road. It's also known for a relaxed, clothing‑optional vibe in parts of the cove - another reason it grabs headlines. Travel writers and social media feeds have hyped it as a 'must‑see' for years. That attention brings huge footfall to a place that was never designed for crowds, with many visitors unaware just how quickly conditions can shift on this exposed Atlantic corner. 2 If you're Cornwall‑bound, there's still plenty to enjoy. Pedn Vounder's closure is a wake‑up call. This slice of Cornish paradise is spectacular - and it's seriously hazardous when conditions line up. The National Trust has taken a cautious approach, figuring out how to make access safer without damaging what makes the place special. If you're Cornwall‑bound, there's still plenty to enjoy. Choose lifeguarded beaches for swimming, respect the coast, and stay informed about official updates regarding Pedn Vounder. When it's safe to do so, those turquoise shallows and sweeping granite cliffs will still be there - but for now, the barriers are up for good reason.
